July 24, 2009

This Day in Zielske History

Four years ago today I took this picture of my then 9-year-old girlie. She had just picked up a magic kit and was practicing her act in the living room. Did I point out that she was just 9? And that now she's 13? And that time flies like a ridiculously aerodynamic rocket?

This Day in Zielske History is part nostalgia tour and part blog filler. But I like to pick a day, look back through the years, and then see if I made a layout or not. In this case, I did:

I actually created this layout as part of a feature in Simple Scrapbooks magazine called, "Trading Pages." In the article, two scrapbookers paired up and scrapped each others photos using the same product. My partner? Donna Downey. Unfortunately, I don't have the layout she did for me, nor do I even have a scan of it. But trust me, it looked a lot like this. Only by Donna.

When I look back on this page, I think two things: One, I love the design. Two, I love those old Scrapworks stickers. And three (so, I lied), the journaling feels contrived to me…sort of like I was trying too hard to be profound. I only say this because over the years, I've gotten a lot more conversational with my writing and lot less fluffy. And a lot less, well, contrived.

That's a good thing.

This has been: THIS DAY IN ZIELSKE HISTORY. (said inside a giant hollow metal hallway, for effect.)

Speaking of looking back, thanks for the tag book you did last year of your month of March. I used the download of yours for last year's month of July when we moved cross country and started year round school. My boys have really enjoyed looking at the book to see what when did one year ago.

Interesting.
I too find it hard sometimes when I look back on pages and the journaling is one dimensional or contrived. I guess that sometimes happens when you're scrapping on a deadline or for an assignment. Sometimes you find yourself pushing it when, given more time, it might have evolved more authentically. who knows.
I DO know that whenever I sit down to scrap, i say to myself I want to focus on the story/on the jouranling and too often I instead get caught up in getting it done. Not good.

Hi Cathy -I'm sure you have an easy way of making the white border inside the pic on your leading photo "This Day in Zielske History"...do you mind sharing your technique?
I am a very slowly self taught user of PSE - I use the rectangle tool -but have to drag it around and eyeball it to see if its even all the way around...is there an easier way?

Its great that you document the little things. Your kids are so lucky they really will appreciate all your hard work when they grow up.
I love the technique you used with photoshop (or did you do it InDesign?). Can you share a little with us please.

I like this concept a lot - there aren't a lot of those overtly momentous events around here. No big trips or weekly kiddie outings but as a family we thrive and delight in our every day stuff (all I need is a good cup of coffee on the deck in the AM to make me happy). Nice to know I can document that stuff.

And P.S. where the hell does the time go?! Heading to my girl's 18 month check up...I guess it will always feel like yesterday that I was pregnant and roughly the size of a compact car.

Just a question of philosophy: IU notice you reversed/mirrored/flipped (whatever the term may be) the photo. Do you do this a lot? I've always shyed away from doing so without much though as to why or why not. Any times you;d refuse to do so or is this part of artistic license?